2025 Civilian Engineer Development Program - Electrical Engineering

If you are seeking an exciting engineering career with enjoyable and unique experiences you will find it in the Civilian Engineer Development Program.

You do not have to wear a uniform or serve at sea to have an exciting career as an engineer with Navy. If you are currently studying towards a four-year Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or have already graduated, you can apply for the Civilian Engineer Development Program (CEDP). You will be employed as an Australian Public Servant (APS) working with the Navy. 

The program includes a range of features that provide broad professional development and recognition as well as the opportunity to grow and develop a professional career as an Australian Public Service employee within the Department of Defence. Based on competencies recognised by Engineers Australia (EA), this program consists of Defence and Industry work rotations and provides optimum exposure to a variety of engineering opportunities through both on and off the job training.

What we offer you 

• You will commence as an APS4 with a salary package currently at $76,277 p.a. plus 15.4% superannuation. You will remain as an APS4 and be developed into a specialist engineer throughout the 3 year program. A yearly performance progression salary increase of 3.8% will be available on meeting effective key performance measures. On successful completion of the program you will advance to a trainee APS6 position prior to placement as a permanent APS6 employee with a salary package of $88,175 p.a. plus 15.4% superannuation.
• You will have the opportunity to gain experience outside Defence by completing a rotation with one of our Industry partners.
• Opportunity to promote off the Program early dependant on skills, knowledge and experience.
• Work life balance with generous leave entitlements and flexible work arrangements.
• Whilst you will commence the Program in either Canberra or Sydney you will have opportunities for travel and work in different locations across Australia.
• You will also receive financial assistance for any relocations required whilst on the Program, along with many other excellent financial, lifestyle and educational benefits.

What you'll do

The CEDP is up to 36 months in duration consisting of work experience rotations where you may be involved in research, design, documentation and providing technical advice and specialist engineering support to the Navy through the entire lifecycle of Navy ships, submarines and aircraft. Some examples of rotations during the Program include, but are not limited to: Cyber Systems, Electronic Warfare & Radar, Weapon Systems, Data Networks and Mine Counter Measure Systems. You will complete 4 rotations within Navy, 1 rotation with a Defence Industry partner (e.g., Raytheon, Boeing or Thales) and 1 rotation in another Defence area (e.g., Defence, Science and Technology Group or Capability, Acquisition and Sustainment Group).

Who can apply?

A minimum four-year Bachelor's degree, recognised in Australia, is required to apply for the CEDP. 

The CEDP is currently looking for applicants who have an Engineering degree, accredited by Engineers Australia specialising in:

• Naval Architecture
• Marine Engineering
• Electrical Electronics
• Communications
• Computer
• Cyber
• Robotics
• Autonomous Systems
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• Mechanical
• Mechatronics Civil/Infrastructure

You must be an Australian Citizen to apply for the Navy Civilian Engineer Development Program and achieve a Negative Vetting 1 AGSVA Security Clearance.

Further information can be found on our website [email protected].